Assistant Vice President, Energy and Engineering

Assistant Vice President, Energy and Engineering

• 556601
• New York
• Facilities Operations
• Full Time
• Opening on: Apr 14 2026
• Ungraded

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Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. To apply for this position, please click the Apply button, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact ZRG Partners at (724) 462-5393 or email rnawoczynski@zrgpartners.com.

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $250,000 - $275,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University''s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Operations, the Assistant Vice President of Engineering and Energy is responsible for visionary and strategic energy services and programs for Columbia University.

Responsibilities

• Directs, strategizes, and establishes the utility plant and environmental initiatives and services for the campus buildings totaling 9 million square feet. This includes master planning, conservation efforts, managing renewable energy portfolios, strategic procurement of natural gas and electricity, central plant oversight, and other energy-related strategic initiatives.
• Leads the tactical effort to integrate energy conservation practices into the University operations and activities. Develops and recommends plans to advance the University''s energy conservation efforts; and provides leadership for the development and implementation of goals, policies, and elimination of GHG emissions.
• Responsible for the implementation of strategic initiatives with the goal of meeting the University''s commitments to energy reduction, and for correlating the energy procurement and utilization of the campus''s central utility plants to maximize efficiency and minimize cost.
• Leads the Energy Management Group, the Engineering group, the Building Commissioning Group, and the Central Utility Plants. Works with and provide recommendations on sustainability and energy management initiatives to Capital Project Management, Operations, as well as the Sustainability committee and works closely with the senior leadership to help balance short-and long-term strategic sustainability and energy management efforts.
• Acts as subject matter expert to provide leadership to develop campaigns and promotions that heighten awareness of energy issues. Establishes strategic goals for the team by planning and goal setting. Working closely with the Vice President of Operations, translates departmental goals into functional and individual goals for the team. May represent the Vice President as assigned on special committees and performs special projects as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of related experience in utility infrastructure, university utility and facilities operations or related field.
• Minimum of seven years of environmental / sustainability experience including implementing environmental or sustainability programs, resource management, environmental initiatives, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience with energy, water, and waste conservation in buildings.
• Skilled in budget preparation, financial management, and analysis.
• A flexible, problem-solving approach to leadership.
• Demonstrated effective leadership skills within a complex, multilayered organization.
• Ability to think strategically and drive priority initiatives through the organization.
• Strategic planning skills. Ability to make administrative / procedural decisions and judgments.
• Skills in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
• Sensitivity and diplomacy to balance competing campus interests.
• Computer literacy in Windows and Microsoft Office environments.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with senior leadership.
• Demonstrated management skills with ability to relate to a diverse and complex operation and supervision of exempt and non-exempt staff.
• Utilization of principles of management to ensure responsibilities are met effectively and efficiently required. This includes planning, controlling, leading, and organizing.
• Demonstrated skills in using sound analytic methods and ability to work with complex analytic issues.
• Ability to effectively interact with departmental staff, as well as campus and university-wide administrators.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to effectively communicate within and outside of the department.
• Skill to effectively communicate orally, in writing, and electronically.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment of changing priorities.
• Respond promptly by phone or in person as appropriate to emergency situations and therefore 24/7 availability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
• Experience managing or supporting the operation and maintenance of centralized utility plants.
• Prior supervisory experience within a unionized work environment
• Professional certification such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or Certified Energy Procurement Professional (CEP).
• Experience contributing to sustainability initiatives and/or credentials such as LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP).

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.